Under-bed fifth wheel mounting system

Abstract

An under-bed mounting system installed beneath a cargo bed floor of a vehicle includes both a male pin and a female receptacle. A releasable locking mechanism is defined between the pin and the receptacle to permit installation and removal of desired components such as a fifth wheel hitch. The pin including opposing first and second ends and an intermediate portion, a groove being disposed within said intermediate portion and including a stem and a base portion. A portion of the receptacle is received within said groove, selectively contacting said stem during installation and contacting at least the base portion after said installation. In one embodiment, the groove of the pin is generally L-shaped, the receptacle including a rod that is selectively received in the groove. In a second embodiment the pin is a scissor clamp with opposing jaws pivotable about a common hinge. The jaws engage the inner periphery of the receptacle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates in general to an under-bed fifth wheel hitch mounting system used to removable secure items such as a fifth wheel hitch to a vehicle.Fifth wheel and gooseneck hitch mounting systems are well known for use with the cargo bed area of pickup trucks and related vehicles. However, such mounting systems are typically bolted to the under frame of the vehicle through the use of essentially permanent fastener systems such as bolt and nut combinations, wherein the nut passes through the hitch mounting system, through the cargo bed area floor and into the under frame.Such a permanent mounting system is highly undesirable. In particular, the hitch mounting system is typically not used on a regular basis, but only when towing a specialized trailer requiring such a system. A permanent mounting system greatly reduces the total cargo volume available for daily usage when the hitch is not required. Additionally, the mounting system is typicall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The disclosed invention is directed to an easily removable hitch locking mechanism comprising a male pin and a female receptacle. The receptacle and the necessary structure to support the receptacle are placed under the cargo bed floor of a vehicle. The receptacle is constructed such that when it is not in use, the cargo bed floor may be used in a traditional manner. However, when a fifth wheel hitch system or the like must be installed, the pins may be inserted through a component to be secured and inserted into a mating receptacle. The pin includes a groove comprising a stem and base such that when the pin is properly installed within the receptacle, it does not move longitudinally, laterally, or spin with respect to the receptacle unless purposely unlocked, thus providing a strong, rigid connection point for the secured component. The pin may be easily removed when the component is no longer required and the cargo bed returned to its normal operational status. When pins and mating receptacles are used, however, the resulting structure is very rigid and secure, providing appropriate loading support to secured components such as those comprising a fifth wheel hitch or a tie down. Moreover, the nature of the connection between the pins and receptacles eliminates undesirable noise even under changing or extreme load conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Such a permanent mounting system is highly undesirable.

In particular, the hitch mounting system is typically not used on a regular basis, but only when towing a specialized trailer requiring such a system.

Additionally, the mounting system is typically unsightly, reducing the ascetic appeal of the vehicle.

Further, by having a permanent connection, corrosion can take place over time, making even a desired removal of a hitch nearly impossible.

A key problem is noise since the pin has a tendency to move up and down during vehicle usage, resulting in a disconcerting and loud banging or rattling.

Further, as the pin rattles, it exhibits an undesirable tendency to rotate, possibly resulting in the accidental alignment of the rod 24 with a channel 30.

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